Mount Olive High JROTC cadets report strong recruitment and community-service gains, set higher goals for 2025'—26
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Summary
Mount Olive High School's JROTC leadership reported to the Mount Olive Township School District board that the unit exceeded multiple academic, fitness and community-service targets last year and has raised goals for the coming school year, including higher promotion and uniform standards and a larger community-service hours target.
Cadet Colonel Ona and the Mount Olive High School JROTC leadership presented their annual unit report to the Mount Olive Township School District Board, telling trustees the program has grown in size and achievements and will pursue more ambitious targets in the coming year. "We were able to greatly exceed a good number of our Cadet Impact goals last year," Cadet Colonel Ona said during the presentation.
The unit reported a 3.375 cumulative grade-point average across cadets, above its 3.3 aim, and inducted 29 new members into the Kitty Hawk honor society compared with a 12-person goal. Physical fitness targets were also exceeded: 50 cadets (about 40% of the corps) met or exceeded a 75% standard on the physical-fitness test, surpassing the 20% goal. Unit uniform scores averaged 94.55% across the year.
Cadet leaders said their school- and community-impact work is extensive: the unit recorded 2,245 community-service hours last year (the unit's goal was 1,650), ran three charitable events (a blood drive, an Operation Jersey Cares drive and a car wash) and held a series of beautification and stadium-cleanup events that drew dozens of cadets. "We were able to pick up a ton of trash off of our stadium and the surrounding areas," Cadet Captain Kyle Endsinger said, describing volunteer activities that included roadside cleanups and park work.
Leaders also highlighted recruitment and retention success: the unit recruited 61 cadets this cycle (goal 50) and reported a strong retention push to maintain an active corps. For 2025'—26, the unit raised several targets: Kitty Hawk inductees from 12 to 14, a second-semester uniform target to 90% and a 95% PT uniform wear rate for the year. Promotion goals include moving 50% of first-year cadets to at least airman first class and promoting 75% of eligible returning cadets at least once.
The cadets described program expansion and operational changes prompted by recruitment: the unit will increase from five to six flights, reorganize into Alpha and Bravo squadrons with squadron-level leadership, and roll out Air Force-regulation ABUs while phasing out OCPs for upperclass cadets. They also announced a recognition program to award two "outstanding cadet" recognitions each quarter to cadets who are not in top leadership slots.
Board members praised the unit's work. "I must say this is one of my favorite presentations of the year," the superintendent said, thanking cadets for their leadership and community service. Several trustees echoed that commendation and thanked the cadets for representing the district in parades, competitions and community events.
The cadet leadership also previewed trips and curricular experiences: first-year cadets visited Picatinny Arsenal for historical and technical lab tours; returning cadets toured Valley Forge and Independence Hall and planned a march through New York City for Veterans Day. The cadets closed by inviting questions; trustees asked none of substance and dismissed the cadets to either remain or leave for the remainder of the meeting.
What's next: the cadet leadership will pursue the newly increased targets during the school year and will continue recruitment and retention activities, community service events, and competitive opportunities.
